• Fast, tip action or tip flex -- main flex is in the top 1/3 to 1/4 of the tip section depending on manufacturer.  This action loads very fast and requires precise timing and control.  (Usually reserved for advanced or expert casters)
  This allows for longer casts, and crisper casts as well, which helps in windy conditions.
• Medium or Mid-flex -- rod bends in the middle 1/2 to upper 1/3 of the rod.  This action is good for beginners to advanced casters who just like a "forgiving" feel.
• Slow or Full-flex -- rod bends from tip to butt section.  While very forgiving of casting mistakes, this type of rod action produces a slow rod recovery rate.  In my opinion, a slow action can be so slow that it can interfere with hooking fish.
• Progressive -- No noticeable difference between the stiffer and more flexible parts of a rod.
  This makes casting more accurate, a plus in close ranges and in making delicate presentations of your fly.
  The downside is the adjustments needed in your casting technique if you switch flies

• 1 to 3 weight - panfish and small trout, small flies, short casts
• 4 weight - small to medium trout, small to medium flies, short to medium casts
• 5 to 6 weight - excellent all around trout or smallmouth bass rod. Handles small to larger flies and short to longer casts
• 7 to 8 weight - brown and lake trout, largemouth bass, steelhead, large flies and streamers, long casts and windy conditions.
• 9 to 14 weight - salmon and salt water fishing, large flies and long casts in open areas.

Determining Your Fly Rod

Intended use	Dry fly size	Streamer fly size	Tippets	Length ft	Line weight	Composition	Action
Delicate fly presentation	14 - 18	Up to 8	4x - 8x	7' - 8'	2 -4	fiberglass, graphite	slow to medium
Delicate cast & for distance	12 - 22	Up to 4	3x - 7x	7' - 8'	5	fiberglass, graphite	slow to medium
For various fish under varying conditions	8 - 20	Up to 2	0x - 7x	8' - 9 1/2'	6 - 7	fiberglass, graphite	slow to medium
For larger game fish	4 - 3/0	Up to 4/0	4x & larger	8 1/2' - 9 1/2'	6 - 7	graphite	medium to fast
For the largest fish	2 - 4/0	Up to 6/0	0 x &	9' - 12'	10 - 15	graphite	fast

Source: Dick's Sporting Goods

Graphite rods are the most popular now:

Type	Pros	Cons
Graphite	performance, durability	stiff
fiberglass	strong, durable, and flexible	heavy
Bamboo	light, flexible, nice slow action	expensive

Fly Fishing Site Lists at: Google
Fly Fishing 101 - For Beginners
Fly Fishing 123

www.ezflyfish.com/
flyfishamerica.com/
Equipment
Most Recommended: [xx] - Number of world records caught as of 2007

Sage [75]
G. Loomis [24]
Orvis [14]
Thomas & Thomas [18]
Winston [4]
St. Croix
Other rod manufactures: Redington [7], Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) [3],
Cabelas (may be Powell rods) [3], L.L.Bean, 
    Scott, Wright & McGill, Powell, Fenwick, Cortland
Cabelas All
Hodgman (Waders, Hip Boots)
L.L.Bean

Popular Fly Fishing Destinations
Tahoe Area

Care of Equipment:
Protect your rod investment with 8 easy tips at TackleTour.com